Frazer is interim village manager; MML to do search

The Milford Village Council has begun the search for a new village manager following the death of Arthur Shufflebarger.

The council at its Monday, June 18 meeting approved to have the Michigan Municipal League (MML) utilize its executive search service and collect applications for the position.

A sub-committee was also formed consisting of Village Council President Terri Rusas-George and Councilmen Michael Glagola and Kevin Ziegler. The committee will eventually select and interview the finalists for the position and make a recommendation to the council.

In the meantime, Milford Township Clerk Deborah Frazer has been assigned as the village’s interim manager.

“I’m up to the task. It’s nice that they rely on the staff and they know we work well as a team,” Frazer said. “Everything will stay the status quo. The departments will handle their business and if there is a major administrative issue, I will present it to the council.”

Frazer added that the village is hoping to have the manager position filled within a 90-day period.

Shufflebarger died during the morning hours of Monday, June 12 at his residence on Duke Street at the age of 60 as a result of natural causes after serving as the village manager since 1990.

Shufflebarger’s funeral was held on Friday, June 15 at the Milford United Methodist Church and was attended by employees from the village and township.

Former Village Council President Chris Smith gave the eulogy to honor his long-time friend.

Shufflebarger is expected to be laid to rest in his hometown of Atchison, Kans., according to Frazer.

He is survived by his wife, Kelsey, and his two daughters, Kayla and Ieasha.

Memorial contributions in Shufflebarger’s name are encouraged to be sent to the Milford or Atchison United Methodist churches.